Chapter 1082

Ralph managed to utter a word before Heather continued, "Still, you're not completely useless. Your strategy worked well. It was difficult, even for me, to get them both out of the house simultaneously, prevent the servants from entering the hall, and disable the surveillance cameras. You helped me considerably, and for that, I can offer you a reward."

She elaborated on the secret handbook: "As for the secret handbook, the one you possess is a fake. The real one is with me. Therefore, I owe you nothing in return for the handbook, as you failed to meet our agreement. This isn't a lie."

That was Heather's initial plan. She never expected Ralph's assistance. However, his identity as a Russell proved immensely helpful. Margaret's aid further weakened the Russells' defenses against outsiders, allowing Heather to avoid confronting Alexander and Lily directly. Retrieving the secret handbook became effortless, with no one present.

Before Ralph searched the cabinets, she had already examined them and familiarized herself with the house's layout during a nighttime visit. Thus, when Ralph went to the master bedroom, she proceeded to the study and stole the genuine secret handbook.

She'd concluded Alexander was overconfident. He believed the tight security and bedroom trap sufficed to protect the handbook. She'd also been suspicious when he mentioned a Bible; a businessman possessing such a book seemed odd. Indeed, she found the secret handbook amongst a row of Bibles on his shelf.

When she left, Ralph remained trapped in the master bedroom. She'd successfully diverted his attention; even if Alexander returned early, Ralph would be the focus, allowing her to escape unnoticed.

Her plan, designed to achieve two objectives simultaneously, proceeded even more smoothly than anticipated. She had the secret handbook.

Ralph, bewildered, could only stammer after a while, "No... You're lying! You must be lying!"

"Whatever," Heather replied, a smug smile playing on her lips. "If you believe yours is genuine, keep it. Perhaps some fool will pay a high price. Or... you could return it before Alexander discovers its absence. Otherwise, you'll be in serious trouble. Tsk tsk."

She placed a hand on his shoulder to dismiss him, but Ralph reacted, gripping her wrist. "You've never seen the handbook's contents, so how can you be certain mine is fake? Yours could be the fake one!"

He'd bypassed infrared scanners, avoided weapons, and cracked the passcode, only to discover the item was counterfeit. He refused to believe it!

Heather sneered. "While I've never seen the real book, I've practiced kickboxing since childhood. You may not understand the book's contents, but I do. Those pictures on your phone depict basic moves; readily available online, idiot!" She couldn't resist calling out his foolishness.